Inclusive Education

Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) school-based and centrally deployed staff work collaboratively with parents, guardians, community partners, and Peace Collaborative Services to effectively support all our students. We are dedicated to providing specialized programming that is child-centered, strength-based and developmentally appropriate. Our goal is to provide a safe, caring, welcoming, and respectful learning environment for all our students to learn and thrive in.

School Community Teams
PWPSD promotes wrap-around services and works closely with community partners such as:

RCMP
Children's Services
Alberta Health Services Mental Health
Family and Child Supportive Services
Peace Collaborative Services
Peace Wapiti Mental Health and Wellness, and others,

to provide support to our families in all of our communities. Team meetings may be initiated by any one of our partners, including the school and family members.

Meet Our Team

The PWPSD Inclusive Education team is led by Shawn O'Shea, Assistant Superintendent.

	Erin MacLellan District Principal of Inclusive Education My teaching career began ten years ago in a small Grade 1 class in the corner of the library at Robert W. Zahara School in Sexsmith. Over the past 10 years I have had the opportunity to work with teachers and students throughout our division and the province who have inspired me to embrace change and broaden my understanding of what it means to be a successful teacher. I deeply believe that social and emotional learning are both integral parts of a well rounded education, and I have developed a passion for broadening my understanding in this area. It is so excited to be part of a profession that is constantly evolving. I feel very privileged to be working as an inclusive learning coach. It is a position that involves so many rich opportunities to collaborate and learn alongside a diverse group of passionate educators and students with different backgrounds and perspectives. "The most valuable resource that all teachers have is each other. Without collaboration our growth is limited to our own perspectives." - Robert John Meehan Responsible for: Early Childhood Services (ECS), Kindergarten and Program Unit Funding (PUF), Penson School
	Kathy Mykyte I am honoured to work with the PWPSD coaching team. My educational experience is primarily in teaching Grades 6-9, but I have taught all grades at various times in my career. One of my education passions is math. It is my belief that life is complicated, math is not! I truly believe we have many talented professionals in all areas of our school division. I enjoy working together and growing my knowledge in many capacities including CRM. I am always excited to see what the next day will bring! Responsible for: Bonanza School, Eaglesham School, Rycroft School, Savanna School, Spirit River Regional Academy
	Mandy Funk I am trilled to be a part of the Inclusive Education Coaching team! I started my teaching career in Grande Prairie after completing my BPE and BEd. For the past 15 years I worked as a classroom teacher, primarily junior high. For the majority of the time my focus was as a Learning Support Teacher. I transitioned from Grande Prairie Public School Division, where I worked in various Inclusive Education roles, supporting staff, students and families. I am local to the area and look forward to connecting with those who have positively impacted the lives of my children, family, and extended family. I always enjoy building new relationships and connections within our community! Responsible for: Beaverlodge Elementary School, Clairmont Community School, Elmworth School, Whispering Ridge Community School
	Victoria Baker I am so excited to be a member of the Inclusive Education Coaching Team! I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of school settings, primarily at the junior and senior high school levels. I began teaching math and science, before quickly transitioning into Inclusive Education, which has truly captured my heart. Every child deserves to be in an educational environment where they feel welcomed, safe, and engaged. I believe that a career in education requires continual growth, learning, and evolution. I completed a Master of Education in Special Education in order to further my professional learning and drive my practice forward. I am always looking for new ways to support the needs of the staff and students I work with. I am enjoying the time I spend getting to know our school communities, collaborating with staff and working with students. I look forward to what each new day will bring, and the new challenges that come with it. Responsible for: Beaverlodge Regional High School, Harry Balfour School, Peace Wapiti Academy, Peace Wapiti Enterprise Centre
	Nicole Bowman I began my PWPSD career in 2009, and have taught students from Kindergarten through Grade 9. I have worked as the Inclusive Coordinator and a classroom teacher at Elmworth School, Helen E. Taylor School, and Wembley Elementary School. I am excited to grow as an educator, support children, and connect with staff throughout our school communities. Responsible for: Helen E. Taylor School, Hythe Regional School, La Glace School, Wembley Elementary School
	Kasia Pfefferle I joined PWPSD in 2007, and have experience teaching students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. I worked as an Inclusive Education Coordinator and Counsellor at Whispering Ridge Community School from when it opened in 2018 to 2024. I am eager to use the experience I've gained throughout the years to support a broad range of students, staff, and parents. I'm looking forward to making strong connections and helping build consistency across our division. Responsible for: Ridgevalley School, Robert W. Zahara School, Sexsmith Secondary School, Teepee Creek School
	Karen Chrenek My teaching career began many years ago, and has provided me the opportunity to teach elementary and junior high grades in a variety of settings and schools. I have also worked as an Educational Programming Consultant, travelling to many schools in the northern part of the province as part of an Interdisciplinary Team to work with teachers of students with a wide variety of learning needs. I am honoured to act in the role of District Principal as it allows me the opportunity to work alongside many outstanding and dedicated educators. "Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference." - John Wooden Responsible for: Bezanson School